Machine for forming articles from paper pulp



Feb, 3 1925. E.,525,]3fi3 H. c. AYERST MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP Filed Aug. 6, 1921 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ji/M/ 0 W Harry E Feb. 3 1925.

H. C. AYERST MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 6, 1921 X R v .H u v .T/ r W: R Li; W E I J m: n 3 m. 3 v m MM 3 Al a F m m Huff Fill Ill R.

iii

mini? llllffl Harr [3-AHE15T Feh 1925.

H. C. AYERST MACH INF. FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP Filed Aug' 6, 1921 7 Sheets-Sheei W M v W A W W Feb 3.1925. 1,525,163

H.- C. AYERST MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP Filed Au 6 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 3. 1925. 1,525,163

- H. c. AYERST MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP Filed Aug. 6, 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 gl/vvawAgfw Harr ELA EPFL Feb, 3. 1925.

H. C. AYERST MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP Filed Aug. 6, 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 H. C. AYERS? MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP Filed Aug. 6, 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet (J @vvi O V Patented Feb. 3, 1925.

ire!) STATES I 1,525,163 PATENT OFFICE. v

HARRY C. AYERST, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO SANITARY PULP PRODUCTS COMPANY, OF SPOKANE, WASHINGTON.,

MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM PAPER PULP,

Application filed August 6, 1921. Serial No. 490,356.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY C. AYERST, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of W'isconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Forming Articles from Paper Pulp; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof.

My invention relates to a new and improved method of manufacturing articles from paper'pulp by introducing the wet pulp under pressure into molds for shaping the same, and to a machine of new and improved structure, whereby the process is carried out p The general object of the invention is to improve the method and the means employed so as to produce an article formed from several laminations of pulp of different com-' position or different mechanical texture in which the fibres of the several laminations in the completed article are so intertwined as to be practically inseparable.

A further object of the invention is to provide adjustable means for varying the actual and relative duration of the several steps in the process, whereby to adapt it to pulp of dilferent composition and texture, and to articles of different sizes and shapes.

Theinvention also comprises numerous detailed in'iprovements which will be hereinafter described and subsequently claimed.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the invention with parts broken away or shown in section, in order-to better disclose the structure.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the same.

Figure 3 is a sectional plan view on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view on the line 44:. of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 1.

l igure (S is a sectional plan view through the valve hox taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 7.

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view through the valve box taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 6.

Figure 11 is a detailed View of the caniand gearing for opening and closing the mold sections.

Figure 12 is a detailed view of the cam which actuates the mechanism for removing the article from the machine.

Figure 13 is a sectional plan view on the line 1313 of Figure 5.

Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view through one of the articles which may be produced by the machine.

Figure 15 is a detailed plan view of the means for adjusting the mold sections.

Figure 16 isa sectional detailed view on the line 16-16 of Figure 15.

Figures 17 and 18 are detailed views of one of the cam disks and adjustable cam by which the valves are actuated for introducing the various ingredients which form the article.

Referring specifically to the drawings, the numeral 1 indicates a supporting base upon which is secured a 1 2, which supports the mold 3 in which the article is formed. A thimble 4 is secured by any suitable means, such as the flange 5. to the under surface of the base 1, centrally of the plate 2. A valve box 6 is connected by a flange union 7 to the lower end of the thimble. The various ingredients which are used in making the article by the process which is hereinafter described, are introduced through valves in the box 6 and carried upwardly under pressure through the thimble 4 and the reducer 8, secured to the upper end of the thimble through the nozzle 9 into the mold which shapes the article. The reducer and nozzle 9 are removable so that they may be replaced by corresponding elements to adapt the machine for making articles of different shapes and sizes. The mold is composed of a number of sections which may also be removed and replaced by other mold sections which conform to the article to be produced.

In the presentinstance. I have shown a mold comprising a plurality of die blocks 3*. 3 and 3,which form the sides of the article and a bOttOllllilOCk 3 which is formed integral with.the nozzle 9 and the head block 3.

The various instrumentalities which are used in introducing the pulp into the mold and forming the article, and the mechanism which removes the mold from the finished article and conveys the latter from the machine, are all actuated through the medium of a main drive shaft 10. This shaft is suitably mounted on the base 1 and carries apinion 11, which drives the gear 12 secured to a counter shaft 13. This counter shaft is connected by bevel gearing H to the vertical cam shaft 15, which carries the cams which actuate the valves for introducing various ingredients as will be hereinafter described.

The counter shaft 13 also carries a cam disk 16 which actuates the mechanism lot lifting the completed article from the mold and conveying the same to a suitable point of delivery.

Each of the die blocks which constitute amold 3 has an inner lining 17 made from fine mesh wire gauze, and also a cavity 125 which is connected by numerous ducts 19 with the inside of the mold. As will be more fully explained hereafter, the pulp is forced against the screen 17 and the wateris drawn out through the ducts 19 and the cavity 18 which is connected in a suitable manner to a source of exhaust.

The various operations by which the article is formed are controlled from the cams on the shaft 15 through the medium of the valves in the valve box 6. This box is provided at its upper end with an outlet 20, which is connected to the thimble l by means of the flange union 7.

A central flue 21 communicates with the outlet 20 and through this flue. the various kinds of pulp which make up the laminations of the article, are successively introduced by means of the valves which will now be described.

One side of the valve box is formed with a plurality of cells 2223-2425 and 26, each of which may be placed in communication with the flue 21 by means of a valve 27. Each of these valves is held normally closed by means of a coil spring 28 which bears against a' head 29 on the end of the valve stem. The stem is provided with an adjustable bolt 30, which, at the proper time, is pushed inwardly to open the valve and establish communication with the flue.

In the construction shown. the cells 23- 24 and 25 are provided with inlet openings 3 I32 and 335, which are connected by the conduits 3i. 32 and 33 with vats containing pulp of different kinds. These cells are placed successively into communication with the chamber 34, by means of valves 27 which are reciprocably mounted. as hereinbcfore described, by means of a plug which is secured in the socket 27 By this means therefore, the pulp is introduced into the chamber 34 and thence passes upwardly through the flue'2l under hydrostatic pressure which is produced by placing the pulp vats at a considerable elevation above the point where the arti-Q clc is formed.

In carrying out the process, the first ltind of pulp introduced is usually a free porous stock.

The filler is next introduced and finally the finishing coat which may be highly hydrated or sized cellulose. The porous layer will permit the air and water to be drawn freely through the screen and the finishing coat will correct all unevenness in the thickness of the walls of the article produced and result in a smooth uniform surface.

()wing to the vacuum created in the cavities 15, a large percentage of the water will be extracted from the pulp and leave the same comparatively dry. After the last layer of pulp has been applied, it is desirable to introduce compressed air, in order to pack the same firmly, so that the shape thereof, will be retained and the resulting article will be strong and durable. This air may be introduced through the cell 22 which has an inlet opening 35 which is connected by a conduit 35 to a source of compressed air.

By means of a valve 27 similar to those already described, the air is admitted through the passage way 36 and the opening 38 into the line 21. The passage Way St; is preferably separated from the pulp passage way 34. by means of a partition 37. so that when the compressed air is introduced, it will be free from pulp.

l'sually more pulp is supplied to the mold than will adhere to the saute. and the surplus will collect in the bottom of the passageway 34. This may be removed through the cell 26 and opening 39, which connects through the conduit 39 with a receptacle from which it may be pumped back into the vats. This passageway is controlled also by means of a valve 27.

The other side of the valve box is also provided with cells 4t)41-4243 and 4A, which is each provided with an inlet controlled hy a valve which is reciprocably mounted in a block secured in the socket t5? and held normally closed by the spring 46 in a manner similar to the valves 27.

l n the construction shown, the cells 42 and 1 are connected through openings-47 and 48. and conduits- 47 and 48 to a source of exhaust. \Vhen the valve controlling the opening l? is opened. vacuum will he created in the head block 3 which is connected therewith by means of a conduit 49, said con duit being connected at 45.) with the valve box and at 49" with the head die block. Va uum is created in the bottom die block and vside die block. by means of the conduit so. which is connected at 50' to the valve box and at 50 to the several die blocks.

After the article has been formed, it is desirable, in order to release the same from a cially where a large die block is used, to indown into compact form.

troduce compressed air in order to separate the article from the die blocks. Provision for this has been made through the cell 40 which is connected by an opening 52 and conduit 52*. with a source of compressed air. A conduit 53 is connected at 53 to the valve box and at 53* to the die block, so that by opening the valves controlling the same, compressed air will be admitted.

It has also been found that some kinds of pulp are too dry to spread freely within the mold. It is, therefore, desirable at times to admit water to mingle with the,pul Provision for this has been made throng the medium of the cell 41 which is supplied with water through the opening 5i and conduit 54. lVhen the valve controlling the cell i1 is open, the Water-Will be admitted through the opening 55 into the flue 21.

In carrying out the process by means of the valves and conduits above described, the valves controlling the vacuum in the several die blocks will be opened simultaneously or a little in advance of the opening of the valve controlling the admission of the first pulp. The second and third pulp will be successively admitted, while the die blocks are still in communication with the vacuum. During this process, the valve controlling the water through 'conduit 54 may be opened. if it is found that one of the kinds of pulp admitted is too dry to spread freely After the last layer of pulp has been introduced, the valve controlling the outlet of the surplus pulp through the conduit 39 may be opened, if it is found to be necessary. The valve admitting the compressed air through the conduit 35* into the interior of 'the article formed is then opened so as to thoroughly dry out the pulp and pack it The compressed air is then released and all of the die blocks,

except. the head block, are opened to the atmosphere by communication with the opening 51. The compressed air is then admitted into the largest die block 3 through the opening 53*. This serves to completely release the largest die block from the article. In some cases it may also be desirable to admit air likewise to the blocks 3 and 3".

.\t this point in the operation, the die blocks are operated by means hereinafter described, and the article is raised from the mold by the vacuum in the die block 3,

which has not yet been relieved. The article is then transferred to a suitable point of delivery where it is removed from the die block 3 Suitable means may be provided, if desired, to relieve the. vacuum in the die block 3* at the proper time. although this block very small comparatively and unsually the article may he very readily removed without any positive relief of the vacuum in the die block 3.

The means for actuating the several valves will now be described.

A reciprocable rod 56 is mounted for engagemeiit with the head of each of the bolts 30 and the other end of this rod is provided with a yoke 57 which carries a roller 58, which rides on the periphery of the cam disk 59. The shaft 15 is suitably journalled at its lower end in a bearing (30 and carries the several cam disks 59, which are suitably It will therefore, be seen that cams of different lengths may be inserted in the, disks and may be adjusted so as to operate the several valves at the proper time. The time of operation of the different valves and the number of valves which it will be necessary to operate, will vary with different articles to be manufactured, and for pulp of different composition and texture.

By means of the structure above described, however, the machine may be adjusted to operate properly under all of these varying conditions and the operation will be. entirely automatic.

In order that die blocks of different shapes and sizes may be used for forming the different articles desired, the bottom block 3 is made detachable, as above described, and the side blocks 3, 3 and 3 which are also detachable, are pivoted, as shown at 65, in the bearing 66 which is pro vided with a dove-tail baseYGT, slidably mounted in the base block 68, so that it may be adjusted radially of the mold. The base block 68 is also adjustable in the circular groove (3!) in the plate 2, by means of the bolt TO, thus die blocks of different shapes and sizes may be mounted in the desired position either circumferentially or radially.

After the article is formed and ready to be removed from the mold, the die blocks are swung outwardly about their pivots ()5 in order to release the same. \Vhile the article is being formed. these blocks are held in their closed position by means of the ring 71 which is normally in the position shown in Figures 1 and 4. This ring carries a plurality of blocks 72 which are adjustably mounted, as shown, in the same manner as the blocks to which the dies are pivoted. Each of the blocks 72 carries a roller 73 at its inner end; which bears against a flange 74 formedon the outer side of the die block. \Vhen the ring 71 is lowered, the roller 73 rides down on the inclined end 75 of the flange and the coil spring 70, which connects the block 71 with the upper end of the die block, and draws the latter outwardly about its pivot (35, releasing the article which has been formed. The means for supporting the ring 71 and for lowering it at the proper time, comprises a plurality of vertical bars 78 which are secured at their upper ends to the underside of the ring 71. These bars 78 are each formed with a rack 80. which is operatively engaged with one of the pinions 81, so that by rotation of the pinions, the ring 71 may be raised or lowered. The pinions 81 are mounted on shafts 82 and the pinions of one shaft are in mesh with the pinions on the other shaft so that all of the bars 78 Will be operated in unison. ()ne of the shafts 82 is provided with a driving pinion 83, which is operatively connected with a segment 84 secured on the rock shaft 85. The rock shaft also has an upwardly projecting arm 80, whichearries a roller at its upper end, which rides in the cam groove 87 formed in one face of the gear wheel 12. The segment 84 is adjus ably secured to the rock shaft 85 by any suitable means, such as the screw 88, so that by adjusting the segment, the normal position of the ring 71 may be suitably adjusted.

It will be understood that upon each ro tation of the shaft 13, the cams 63 will first engage the series of rods which open the respective valves to perform the various operations in forming the article, and the cam groove 87 is so formed that the die blocks will remain in their closed position until after this series of operations is com pleted, and then the shaft 85 will be rocked to open the die blocks, as above described, and release the articles so formed.

A counter weight 89 is secured on the end of a rod 90. which is pivotally connected to one end of a lever 91, the other end being connected by a link 92 to one side of the mold. A similar counter weight is connected to the opposite side of the mold and these counter weights assist in maintaining the ring 71 and the die blocks in their nor mal position and for restoring the same at the beginning of another operation.

At this point in the operation. the side blocks 3. 3" and 1 have been opened and the vacuum has been relieved from all parts of the article formed. which is designated by the numeral 93, and the latter is supported by suction through the small hea-d'block 3 This head block is carried on the lower end of av piston 91, which is slidably mounted in a yoke 95 which has a sleeve 96 formed on its upper end and which is slidable on the bar 97. This piston is urged upwardly by the spring 98, but is norn'ially held in its lowermost position by the reciprocable bar 99, against which the roller 100 rides. The bar 99 is connected at one end by a link 101 to a lever 102, which is pivoted at its lower end. as shown at 103. This lever carries a laterally projecting roller 104 which rides on the periphery of the cam disk 16." At this point in the operation, when the article is ready for delivery, the roller 104 has arrived at the depressed portion of the periphery of the cam disk and the bar 99 is allowed to retract; This movement of the bar 99 may be accomplished by a spring 105 which is attached to the same and connected to some part of the frame which supports the bar. This releases the pinion 91 and allows the same to be carried upwardly by the spring 98, raising the article 93 and the same is then carried on the shaft 97 to the point of delivery. The means by which this last movement is accomplished consists of the connecting rod 106, which is pivoted at one end to the yoke 95 and it its other end to the lever 107. This lever is pivoted at its lower end. as shown, at 108, and carries a roller 109 which rides in a cam groove 110 formed in one face of the cam disk 16. The article is thus carried to the outer end of the 109 shaft 97 where the same is delivered. The

point of delivery may be accuratelycontrolled by means of an adjustable screw 111,

carried by a bracket 112. A valve 113 is mounted on the, head block and is opened by 105 contact with the screw 111, thus admitting air to the block and releasing the article and delivering it at the point desired whence it may be conveyed by any suitable means. The various instrumentalities thus resume 110 their normal position preparatory to the next operation as will be understood.

I claim as my invention 1. A device of the character described comprising a mold for forming articles from 115 paper pulp. means for introducing pulp into the mold. said mold including a plurality of die sections and blocks on which said sections are mounted, said blocks being adjustable circumferentially and radially to accommodate dies of different sizes and shapes.

2. A device of the character described comprising a mold for forn'iing articles from paper pulp. means for introducing pulp into the mold. said mold including a plurality of die sections and blocks to which said sections are hinged, a ring surrounding the mold and having means thereon to hold the sections of the mold in contact with each other, means for lowering the ringand means connected with the ring for swinging said sections outwardly about their hinges to release the article formed therein, when the ring is lowered.

3. A device of the character described comprising a mold for forming articles from paper pulp. means for introducing pulp into the mold, said mold including a plurality of die sections and blocks to which said sections are hinged, said blocks being adjustable circumferentially and radially to accommodate dies of different sizes and shapes. a ringsurrounding the mold and having, means thereon to hold the sections of the mold in contact with each other. said last named means being adjustable circuml'erentially and radiall to correspond to the ditl'ercnt die sections, means for lowering the ring and ineans'connected with the ring for swinging said sections outwardly about their hinges to release the article formed therein. when the ring is lowered.

4. A device of the character described comprisinga mold for forming articles from paper pulp. means for introducing pulp into the mold, said mold including a plurality of die sections and blocks to which said sections are hinged, said blocks being adjustable circum'ferentially and radiall to accommodate dies of diflerent sizes and shapes, a ringsurrounding the mold and having means thereon to hold the sections of the mold in contact with each other, said last named means being: adjustable circumferentially and radially to correspond to the different die sections, means for lowering the ring. said lowerin means being adjustable to determine the extent of the lowering novement to correspond with the different sized dies, and means connected with the ring for swinging: said sections outwardly about their hing-es to release the article formed therein. when the ring is lowered.

In testimonw that l claim the. foregoing .l have hereunto set my hand at Milwaukee. in the county of Milwaukee and State of \Visconsin.

HARRY G. AYERST. 

